Human-Rights Complaint Template (HRTO / CHRT)
Use this to structure a discrimination complaint. Fill in the brackets [ ]. Two tracks:
- Ontario (HRTO): file Form 1 directly with the HRTO. Deadline: generally one year from the last incident. Free. Get help from the Human Rights Legal Support Centre.
- Federal (CHRT): file a complaint with the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) first; it may refer to the CHRT. Covers federal employers, banks, telecom, transport, First Nations.
This is a template, not legal advice. Name the protected ground, the incidents, and the link to discrimination. Keep a copy of everything you submit.
1. Your details
- Full name: [ ]
- Contact (email / phone): [ ]
- Are you represented by a lawyer or the HRLSC? [ ] If yes, their name/firm: [ ]
2. Respondent (the person/organization you are complaining about)
- Name: [ ]
- Type: [ ] employer [ ] landlord/service provider [ ] union [ ] federal department/agency [ ] other: [ ]
- Address: [ ]
3. Protected ground(s) — pick all that apply
- disability (physical / mental / learning / injury / illness / perceived / past)
- race / colour / ancestry / place of origin / ethnic origin
- citizenship
- creed (religion)
- sex (incl. pregnancy, breastfeeding, gender identity, gender expression)
- sexual orientation
- age
- marital status / family status
- genetic characteristics (federal matters)
- record of offences / conviction with pardon or suspension (federal matters)
- other: [ ]
4. What happened (timeline — most recent last)
| Date | What happened | Who was involved | Any evidence (email, message, document) |
|---|---|---|---|
| [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
| [ ] | [ ] | [ ] | [ ] |
5. How this connects to a protected ground
Explain, in plain language, why the treatment was discrimination or harassment based on the ground(s) you checked in section 3. Example:
“[Respondent] denied me [accommodation / promotion / service] because of my disability. I asked for [specific accommodation] in writing on [date] and was refused / ignored. This adversely affected me by [lost income / excluded from service / deteriorated health].”
6. Accommodation you requested (if any)
- Date you requested accommodation: [ ]
- What you asked for: [ ]
- How the respondent responded: [ ]
7. Remedy you are seeking
- Stop the discriminatory conduct
- The accommodation I need: [ ]
- Compensation for lost wages: $ [ ]
- Compensation for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect: $ [ ] (you may leave the amount to the tribunal, or state a figure)
- Policy/training changes by the respondent
- Other: [ ]
8. Evidence list (attach copies, keep originals)
- Emails / messages
- Medical or assessment notes (relevant to disability)
- Pay stubs / employment records
- Witness statements (names + contact)
- Policies or job postings relied on
- Any prior complaint or response from the respondent
9. Declaration
I confirm the information above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand this complaint is made under the [Ontario Human Rights Code / Canadian Human Rights Act] and that the tribunal/commission may share it with the respondent for a response.
Signature: ______ Date: ______
Where to file
- HRTO (Ontario): tribunalsontario.ca/hrto → Forms and filing
- CHRC (federal): chrc-ccdp.gc.ca
Related
- Guide: Human Rights Tribunals in Canada
- Guide: UNCRPD & Canada’s obligations
- Knowledge Base: Human rights & disability law in Canada
Template only — not legal advice. Deadlines are strict; get help early from the HRLSC (Ontario) or CHRC (federal).